If you’re craving a dinner that feels bold, indulgent, and restaurant-worthy—but still easy enough for a busy weeknight—this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is exactly what you need. Juicy, perfectly seared steak bites meet buttery al dente pasta, all tossed in a sticky garlic sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and deep savory flavor in every bite.
This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers comfort, excitement, and big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish
- Sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavors in perfect balance
- Hearty and filling with tender steak and pasta
- Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests
- Customizable spice level to suit your taste
Ingredients
For the Steak
- Sirloin steak (cubed) – Tender, flavorful, and perfect for quick searing
- Salt and black pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the steak
- Soy sauce – Adds umami depth and savory richness
- Olive oil – Helps achieve a beautiful sear
- Cornstarch (optional) – Lightly coats the steak for better browning
For the Sauce
- Garlic, minced – The bold, aromatic backbone of the dish
- Soy sauce – Intensifies savory flavor
- Honey – Brings natural sweetness and stickiness
- Brown sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes
- Sriracha – Provides heat and bold chili flavor
- Rice vinegar – Balances sweetness with gentle acidity
- Sesame oil – Adds rich, nutty aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Boosts the spice level
- Water – Helps loosen and balance the sauce
For the Pasta
- Spaghetti – Holds the sauce beautifully
- Salt (for boiling water) – Seasons the pasta from within
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the sauce cling
Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds – Add crunch and visual appeal
- Fresh parsley or green onions – Brighten and freshen the dish
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional) – For spice lovers
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and toss the pasta with butter to keep it silky and flavorful.
Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak cubes dry and season with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. If using cornstarch, toss lightly to coat—this helps create a better sear.
Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and sear until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Return the steak to the pan and stir until everything is well coated.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and saucy.
Tips for Success
- Pat the steak dry to get a proper sear
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook steak in batches if needed
- Taste the sauce before combining and adjust sweetness or spice
- Reserve pasta water—it’s key to a silky sauce
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Recipe Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase garlic to 6–8 cloves
- Chicken Swap: Replace steak with halal chicken breast or thighs
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and spicy garlic steak pasta on its own or with a crisp green salad for balance. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and fresh herbs right before serving makes it look truly restaurant-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Flank steak or strip steak works well—just slice against the grain.
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Does this reheat well?
Yes. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely. Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work beautifully.
Is this recipe halal-friendly?
Yes. Use halal-certified steak and ensure your soy sauce is alcohol-free.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
Description
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta features tender sirloin steak bites tossed in a sticky, garlicky, sweet-heat sauce and paired with buttery al dente pasta. This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for quick dinners, weeknight meals, and flavor-packed comfort food.
Ingredients
- For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and toss pasta with butter.
- Pat steak dry and season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Sear steak cubes until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add pasta to the sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed. Return steak to the pan and toss to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to control heat level.
- Use halal-certified soy sauce if needed.
- Ribeye or flank steak may be substituted for sirloin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—everything you want in a weeknight dinner with a gourmet feel. With tender steak, buttery pasta, and a sauce that hits sweet, spicy, and savory notes perfectly, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every delicious bite.
